The Truth About Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland: 14 Essential Tips + All You Need to Know

Some like it hot; I prefer it geothermal, which is why visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is one of my favorite things to do there! I mean, what’s better than a ginormous body of 104°F water, magic face mud, cold beer, and the color blue? Nothing—those are all fantastic things!

I’ve now visited Iceland’s Blue Lagoon a couple of times and I’m here to reinforce your opinion that the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is a must-do. I have yet to meet anyone who disagrees! However, there are a handful of things you definitely need to know before your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. (And I’ve got plenty of helpful tips to boot!) Let’s get started.

This post was originally published in 2014 but has since been completely updated and rewritten for 2021.

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Blue Lagoon Iceland facts

Iceland is a country bursting with volcanic activity—both literally and figuratively. Because of this, all that hot stuff under the Earth’s surface is brought closer and closer to the top where we can actually make use of it in a ton of fun and helpful ways. Drill, baby, drill!

Iceland harnesses its surplus of geothermal energy using power plants located around the island. This energy accounts for almost 30% of the country’s electricity and 87% of its heating and hot water requirements. Plus, like most of its tourism output as well—seeing as how I recently visited mostly so I could hike to the erupting volcano.

These power plants drill into the earth and run the superheated ground water and steam that comes out through turbines to generate electricity.

To experience the Blue Lagoon and other (secret) geothermal areas, check out my full 7-day Iceland itinerary. You’ll get to see and do so much!

Blue Lagoon water

In one such power plant (the Svartsengi Power Station), the water is then expelled from the plant into a man-made (but still awesome) lagoon where we then bathe and cover ourselves with its precious waste. Yes, we are a weird people—but a weird people with baby soft skin, so hush.

However, the Blue Lagoon’s water isn’t just power plant backwash. These waters that run a constant 98°F – 104°F are rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. These make it perfect for exfoliation, treating skin ailments, and making your friends laugh via your spot-on Mrs. Doubtfire impression. Hewwlewww!

But do know that all the water in the Blue Lagoon is naturally replenished every 40 hours. And, as you’ll see, that is a lot of water.

The same thing happens at the power plant in Tampa, Florida but here it’s manatees that bathe in the hot water. Check out this post on Tampa’s Manatee Viewing Center to see what I mean!

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Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

Now that you know some Blue Lagoon facts and a little background to impress your friends with, here’s what you need to know about actually visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

You should still visit even though it’s “touristy”

Whether you’re planning a quick trip to Iceland or a week-long Iceland road trip, you’ve surely seen the Blue Lagoon mentioned at least a hundred times already. Half the population thinks it’s the greatest thing this side of the boiling point, while the other half (haters) find it too mainstream for their boujee tastes.

I’m in the first group, obviously—a proud Blue Lagoon cheerleader. And so is everyone else who I’ve actually discussed this with.

Sure, Iceland is overflowing with geothermal swimming holes. Sure, the Blue Lagoon is only loosely a naturally-occurring phenomenon. And sure, visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland costs more than some other similar spots.

But, Iceland’s Blue Lagoon is also beautiful and interesting, totally unique, easy to get to, and possibly the best damn time you’ll have this close to the Arctic Circle.

Is it “touristy?” Sure, a lot of tourists know about it and probably most of the people who visit are tourists. But, it’s not overcrowded (I don’t think you understand just how huge this place is); it’s not exorbitantly priced; there aren’t people trying to scam you into buying cheap crap; nor will you feel like you’ve been duped after visiting. 

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is still a seriously fun, relaxing, and interesting cultural experience out in a less-populated area of Iceland. “Touristy” or not, it’s absolutely worth visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. So get those haters out of your head already! (My advice for today and always.)

Visiting the Blue Lagoon is just one of the many awesome things to do on my perfect 4-day Iceland itinerary. Check it out at that link and copy the whole beautiful plan if you want! And don’t forget to pack all the right stuff for Iceland. (Free packing checklist in that link!)

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This is the package I have purchased each time I have visited and it is really all you need for a fabulous day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland! However, if you’re looking to splurge a little bit more on the finer things in life, check out the following two packages.

The Premium package costs just a little bit more than the Comfort, but really doesn’t include that much more. You get to use towels for free and you can wear your own flip-flops, so a robe and slippers just seems unnecessary.

Plus, when you go into the lagoon you hang your robe up at the communal rack. There’s a chance it won’t even be there when you get out of the water anyway.

This is beyond anything I would ever book so I have no idea if it’s worth it or not. I guess it just depends on how badly you need some pampering in your subterranean spaces.

All Blue Lagoon packages include one drink of your choice, the use of towels and lockers, unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon, and the use of their shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and hair dryers.

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The point of showering (completely naked) before entering the lagoon is to make sure all your dirty little bits get clean before heading into what is essentially a giant communal tub. The lagoon is huge and the water is hot, but aren’t you glad all the bodies that are in there have been scrubbed clean first? I am! Therefore, I am happy to do my part for the sake of hygiene.

Now, I want to set the record straight here. First of all, there aren’t locker room enforcers stripping you down and hosing you off. This is a spa after all, not a prison.

(There are locker room attendants however. And while I found them mostly cleaning up and helping people figure out how to work the lockers, they’re probably well prepared to tell you to remove your bathing suit if you try showering in the communal shower with your suit on.)

Blue Lagoon Iceland showers

Secondly, they have plenty of private shower stalls, with doors, made of frosted glass. And almost everyone opts for this route anyway so don’t worry that you’ll look like the odd (wo)man out. You just may have to wait in a short line.

The Blue Lagoon has separate locker rooms for men and women, and even private special needs facilities should you need one. You can change into your swimsuit in the locker room as almost everyone does, or take your business into one of the private bathroom stalls.  

Lastly and most importantly, no one is looking at you or judging your choice to shower in a stall! The other nudies in the room are either completely unconcerned with your nudity because it’s nothing new to them, or they are so concerned with their own nudity that you don’t even exist at that moment.

Again, this is not prison; you are not being booked for a crime. You will not be standing in a nude line up to be judged on your jugs.

I personally know a few people who skipped out on the Blue Lagoon’s magnificence and another who almost did because of public nudity fear mongering. Don’t let these assumptions keep you from visiting one of Iceland’s hottest attractions. (Ha, hottest, get it?)

The lesson here: when it comes to nudity at the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, you only have to get as nude in front of other people as you feel comfortable. Be that all the way or not at all.

Showering at the Blue Lagoon is nothing compared to visiting a Turkish hammam where you’re all kinds of naked in front of all kinds of people while a stranger scrubs you from head to toe. Click that link for all the sudsy details.

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Blue Lagoon Iceland luggage storage

Given its location near the main airport in Keflavik, the Blue Lagoon makes a great pre- or post-flight excursion. For this reason, you may need to store your luggage while you bathe in those beautiful blue waters.

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland does offer luggage storage for 550 ISK (about $4 US) per bag. Your bags will be kept at the Luggage House in the main parking lot.

Keep in mind that many people arrive at and depart the Blue Lagoon at the same times, so you may need to allow extra time for retrieving your bag(s) when it’s time to leave.

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Blue Lagoon Iceland temperature

Regardless of what time of year it is, the water in the Blue Lagoon stays between 98° and 104°F. And the temperature of the water is actually different in different parts of the lagoon.

There are known hot spots (the best spots, in my opinion) and “cooler” areas. You can discover them on your own, or take a look at the screen above the exit to the lagoon for a temperature map of the lagoon.

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Blue Lagoon Iceland silica mud masks

By now you’ve surely seen pictures of the Blue Lagoon and all the anonymous white faces within. These white face masks are the lagoon’s famous silica mud masks.

Each Blue Lagoon package includes a free silica mud mask which you can pick up (have plopped into your hands) at the in-water mask bar.

The high silica content of the Blue Lagoon’s water (the stuff that gives it the milky blue color) settles as soft mud at the bottom of the lagoon. Then it’s scraped off the bottom for you to rub all over your face and body, because of course, this is totally normal.

The white silica mud is said to smooth, deep clean, and clear up your skin. Apply it generously, give ‘em your best Mrs. Doubtfire impression, take your pictures, and leave on for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off in the hot water of the lagoon.

Need to know: the Blue Lagoon sells their silica mud mask for $104/bottle. In the lagoon it’s free! Definitely don’t miss your chance to sample the goods.

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Best time to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

The best time to visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is whatever time is best for you! If you can only visit at night, do it. If you can only visit in the morning, do it! That being said, if you do have pretty open availability, I personally recommend visiting during the day.

During the day is when you can really take in the blue water of the Blue Lagoon in all its milky glory. You also get to see the nearby power plant from which these awesome hot waters originate.

While visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at night has its advantages, if you can’t see how truly blue the water is, are you not just hanging out in a big public hot tub?

If you’re afraid visiting during the day will be too crowded – don’t be. The Blue Lagoon is immense and though people do tend to congregate in certain areas (the mask bar, the bar bar), it never seems crowded.

Blue Lagoon Iceland at night

During the summer in Iceland, the sun barely sets and the sky never gets dark. So, even at midnight there will be light in the sky. During the winter you’ll experience a fully dark sky and much earlier in the day.

The Blue Lagoon at night will be less crowded than during the day (though, again, it never feels uncomfortably crowded even then) and with fewer kids in their floaties. So if you’re looking for a truly relaxing experience to just unwind, maybe visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland at night is for you.

Blue Lagoon and Northern Lights

Another benefit to visiting the Blue Lagoon at night is for the chance to peep the Northern Lights while you’re there. Given its remote location, your chances of seeing the Northern Lights at the Blue Lagoon are higher than if you stuck around in Reykjavik.

But keep in mind that weather and cloud cover can be unpredictable, and you’ll still have to contend with the (albeit limited) light pollution in and around the lagoon. (Ergo, it’s never 100% guaranteed that you’ll see the aurora during your visit.)

If you did want to do both the Blue Lagoon and see the Northern Lights in the same day, you can book this tour that covers both (just not simultaneously).

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1. Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit, but don’t worry if you do

When packing for a trip to a country with “ice” in its name, forgetting to pack a swimsuit can be easy. No one can fault you for that. Just kidding – your friends are totally going to roast you when you have to rent one there that says “For Rent Only” down the side.

Visiting the Blue Lagoon should top your list of things to do in Iceland, so you should most definitely not forget to pack a swimsuit. However, if your excitement for this new land should cloud your packing judgment, know that it is possible to rent a bathing suit at the Blue Lagoon.

For women, it’s a navy blue one-piece swimsuit that’s embroidered with “For Rent Only” down the side. For men, it’s a pair of shorts. And for the rest of your life, it will be a hilarious joke no one ever forgets.

Personally, I have only seen one person wearing the rented suit (and that was my friend who totally forget to pack one). However, if you’ve got a long flight ahead of you and don’t want to pack a soaking wet swimsuit in your luggage, renting one actually seems practical. You can rent swimsuits at the reception desk for ISK 800 (about $6 US) and they come in sizes S – XL.

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2. Bring a waterproof phone case

Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland will be a memorable and unique experience you’ll absolutely want to document. Trust me when I say you will want those photos of your friend in her rented bathing suit and your husband in his mud mask.

However, if you should drop your phone, consider it toast. Not only must the sulfur-y, silica-y, super-hot water just destroy your phone, but you will never, ever find it down there. The Blue Lagoon’s blue water has the consistency and clarity of milk – you can’t see anything below the surface.

A waterproof phone case with a strap is an absolute must if you plan on taking pictures inside the Blue Lagoon. I honestly can’t even imagine how many phones they scrape out of there. (That link is the one I use and I love it.)

GoPros are another popular option for the Blue Lagoon. And if you do plan to use one, I recommend the Floating Hand Grip mount with wrist strap for extra security.

Also, my advice: take your phone in, snap some pictures, but return your phone your locker at some point so you can enjoy the magnificence of the Blue Lagoon without the stress of worrying about your phone.

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3. Don’t forget about your free drink

Because this comes included in your package, some people forget about it, or might not know about it at all. (I mean, really people.) You don’t want to miss out on the chance to drink ice cold Icelandic beer from a swim-up bar in a geothermal lagoon right?

You have the option of alcoholic drinks (beer, wine, cider) and non-alcoholic drinks (soft drinks, Gatorade, smoothies) as well. And also something literally called Krap, which I think is just a slushie.

Longing for more unique European spa experiences (with more free beer)? Check out this post on what it’s like visiting a Prague beer spa!

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4. Try not to get your hair wet in the lagoon

Of all the Blue Lagoon tips I have to dole out, this one is the most important, obviously. The minerals in the water make it great for your skin but a nightmare for your hair.

Guys: whatever, no one really cares what your hair looks like. But ladies! Do your best to keep your hair out of the water at all costs. This is easier for some, but for people like me whose hair often gets stuck in her own waistband, you’ll want to tie it up on top of your head.

In the locker room showers the Blue Lagoon provides you with all the hair conditioner your tresses could ever dream of, free of charge. Take advantage of this! Absolutely smother your hair in this conditioner and leave it in. (<- This is key!) Then, wrap it up into a bun and secure it.

Without the conditioner, should you get your hair wet in the lagoon’s water, it will be horribly dry and just wrecked. Like, can’t get a brush through it, wrecked. This is especially important if you have anywhere to be immediately after your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland.

With the conditioner, your hair will be unbelievably soft and smooth afterwards, and it won’t be the worst thing if your hair does touch the water just a little bit. (I wouldn’t recommend going completely under the water or anything though.) You can still get those good Blue Lagoon pics with your hair down, just make sure to coat it in their conditioner first.

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5. Don’t forget to make a reservation beforehand

It’s important to know that the Blue Lagoon does manage their capacity limits, and because this is one of the most popular things to do in Iceland, pre-booking a reservation is definitely necessary.

Getting to the Blue Lagoon from Reykjavik takes around 45 minutes and unless you’ve rented a car, you’ll have to book your spot on a shuttle bus. Many times you’ll have to show your Blue Lagoon reservation to do so.

But the easiest way to go about visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is to simply book admission and transportation all together. You do not have to book your Blue Lagoon package directly through the Blue Lagoon, so securing your reservation through a tour company (which includes roundtrip transportation) is really the best method.

You can book your day at the Blue Lagoon (including roundtrip transfer to and from Reykjavik) through companies like Reykjavik Excursions and Grayline. I’ve actually used both for this and both are fantastic. It really is the stress-free solution.

Booking your day at the Blue Lagoon through a tour company ensures you have roundtrip transportation on a nice bus and, though you are limited by drop-off and pickup times, they always make sure you have ample time at the Lagoon.

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6. Bring a sealable bag for your bathing suit

The Blue Lagoon is out in the middle of nowhere so, after leaving the lagoon, your suit is going to be wet for a while. A funky wet bathing suit in your luggage/purse for possibly hours is no bueno. And, with no way to dry them at the spa, you’ll need to batten down the hatches until you can hang it up.

In the locker rooms, the Blue Lagoon provides compostable, eco-friendly “plastic” bags for you to put your suit in as you prepare to leave. This is fantastic (because they didn’t use to offer that), but the bags are on par with the ones you put your apples in at the grocery store—hella thin with an open top.

They’re good for the moment if you have nothing else, but if you’re visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland before a flight out (like I did the first time) or continuing on for a longer excursion or tour, you’ll most definitely want something sturdier that seals shut so you can pack it away.

For this, I recommend gallon-sized Ziplocks—something I bring with me on all trips actually because they are endlessly useful!

Big tip here: Do not forget to take your wet suit out and hang it up immediately when you get to wherever it is you’re going. If you’ve ever forgotten about a wet bathing suit or wet towel in your luggage, then you know.

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7. Don’t miss the indoor entrance into the lagoon

It doesn’t matter what time of the year you visit Iceland, it’s going to be cold during your visit to the Blue Lagoon. (My latest visit was in the middle of July and the temperature never hit above 48°F.)

The waters of the Blue Lagoon are hot-hot-hot, but walking from the spa to the water in just your bikini is ice-freaking-cold. Even worse is the walk back when you’re soaking wet and soaking up that frigid breeze.

Luckily, the walk from the locker rooms to the water (and back) is not long at all. But, if you’d still rather not experiment with hypothermia, don’t miss the hidden little indoor entrance into the lagoon.

When you exit the locker rooms to head to the lagoon, look to your left and you’ll see a spot where you can enter the hot waters of the lagoon while still inside the building, and then exit to the larger lagoon where your friends are waiting with silica masks and Krap.

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When you exit the main building and you’re facing the lagoon, all of these areas are found on your left, up against the building pretty much. The Blue Lagoon is so much more than a giant hot tub!

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10. Remove all jewelry before entering the lagoon

The high levels of minerals in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon do have the potential to damage your jewelry. I’m not sure how much damage can be done since I haven’t really worn any in there, but I will say that nothing at all has happened to my silver belly button ring on any of my visits.

I’m sure it depends on the metal and the quality of it, but if you have a piece of jewelry you love, I wouldn’t risk wearing it into the lagoon.

However, like with the phone thing I mentioned above, the real danger is in your jewelry slipping off and never, ever finding it again. The lockers are totally secure and I have never felt uncomfortable leaving my jewelry in there.

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11. Take note if you wear contact lenses

Blue Lagoon staff will alert you upon arriving that if you wear contact lenses, it’s best to remove them before entering the lagoon. They say the minerals and other elements in the geothermal water can irritate your eyes if you’re wearing them. (Plus, you know, should one of them pop out…)

And since you’ll have to wear glasses if you remove your contacts, they also recommend making sure to not submerge your glasses as the silica in the water can damage your prescription lenses. So, basically, if you were looking for a sign you should finally get LASIK surgery, this is it. (I can attest that it will be the best money you’ve ever spent.)

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12. Check out the hidden walking paths

Before you leave the Blue Lagoon for good, check out the hidden walking paths behind the lagoon for some interesting views.

When you exit the main building towards the parking lot, on your right will be a series of walking paths that go behind the building, the parking lot, and the lagoon. What you’ll see is a series of overflow areas that make for some great tourist-free photos.

You can check out the awesome Icelandic moss-covered lava formations, the blue water and white silica mud, the distant power plant, and you’ll be mostly all alone back there.

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13. Don’t underestimate the lagoon’s healing powers

The Blue Lagoon will tell you all about the supposed benefits of the geothermal water to those with all sorts of skin ailments including psoriasis and eczema. However, it’s my belief that the Blue Lagoon cures more than just skin diseases.

Hear me out: three months before my first trip to Iceland I suffered some nerve damage in my hand due to a freak flying trapeze incident (true story) after which I lost all feeling in my left middle finger down to my palm.

Let me repeat: I had no feeling in my finger for three months. However, after my three hours in the lagoon, all feeling was immediately restored and has been 100% ever since. So, consider me a believer.

Will a visit to the Blue Lagoon cure the common cold? Your spouse’s prolific snoring? Hiccups? Who’s to say… but isn’t it worth some experimentation anyway?

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14. Plan to spend at least three hours at the Blue Lagoon

…but aim for more like four or five. Visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland is not a quick activity to be rushed. Consider it a slow simmer, because it quite literally is.

In addition to your time actually hanging out in the lagoon, you also have to factor in time for checking in, changing, showering… then showering, changing, and checking out. To do all that, a good five hours should do. And trust me, you will not think that is too long!

It may sound like a long time to spend, essentially, hanging out in a hot tub, but when you’re there, you’ll agree more is more.

The Blue Lagoon is such a fun, fascinating place so take it easy and don’t try to rush your experience. Plus, if you book your package through one of the tour companies, they typically assign you drop off and pick up times anyway. And since they know what’s up, they give you plenty of time for everything.

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Hotels in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon

Being about an hour outside Reykjavik, getting to and from the Blue Lagoon isn’t super convenient, especially if you have a late/early flight coming up.

Even though it seems the Blue Lagoon is way out in the middle of nowhere, there are still places to stay near the Blue Lagoon, and they’re pretty nice too! Plus, you now have the added benefit of being near Fagradalsfjall, the erupting volcano and being away from the city for Northern Lights viewing.

If your plans don’t include ample time to travel back and forth, check out these hotels in Iceland near the Blue Lagoon:

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Iceland Blue Lagoon review

Personally, I love the Blue Lagoon. And you know what? So does everyone I’ve ever spoken to that has been. I didn’t find it “touristy” or lacking in any way. And even though I had already “been there, done that,” I still wanted to visit again on my latest visit to Iceland.

Many people say the Blue Lagoon is overpriced but… uh, have you been to Iceland? Iceland is the most expensive place I have ever been, so naturally you’re going to spend more money here than you’d think reasonable.

However, while many things are overpriced—like, stay far away from the gift shop—it costs just over $50 for unlimited access to the Blue Lagoon and the bonus areas, a free drink, a silica mud mask, and then some. I think that’s more than reasonable and absolutely worth the value.

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More info for your day visiting the Blue Lagoon in Iceland

• Visiting Iceland? Read hotel reviews on Tripadvisor then book your room here.
• Check out the best Iceland rental car deals here.
• Don’t forget an Iceland guidebook for everything else.
• And this essential Iceland culture guide!
• Considering travel insurance? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
• Only have a stopover? Read this 2-day Iceland guide.
• Like this post? Have questions? Reach out on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram

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